Question 2: Short-term Objective B

$1,096,678.00
Fiscal Year: 2010

2SB. Launch three studies that specifically focus on the neurodevelopment of females with ASD, spanning basic to clinical research on sex differences by 2011. IACC Recommended Budget: $8,900,000 over 5 years.

Progress: More than the minimum three studies recommended were launched, but further work is needed in this area. Studies have found that females with ASD often have a higher burden of ASD genetic risk mutations than males, suggesting a gender-associated protective effect in females. Research on factors protecting females from developing ASD symptoms even when challenged with genetic mutations that lead to ASD in boys may help to identify approaches to prevent development of ASD symptoms in both genders.

Remaining Gaps, Needs and Opportunities: Studies of protective and compensatory effects in females and differential response to treatment based on gender are promising areas that could help with future prevention and effective, personalized treatment efforts. Beyond genetic differences, it is important to determine whether other biological features, such as differences in neuropathology, are found in the two sexes.